Gender-based violence remains a serious social issue in Croatia. Since the beginning of 2025, multiple cases of femicide—most often committed by intimate partners—have highlighted the urgent need for stronger prevention and education. Despite existing legal and policy frameworks, women continue to make up the majority of victims of domestic and sexual violence, pointing to persistent structural inequalities.
Research shows that young people often recognise obvious forms of violence, but lack a deeper understanding of gender inequality and prevention mechanisms. At the same time, there are limited opportunities for youth to engage in meaningful learning and community action on these issues, particularly at the local level.
This project responds to these challenges by empowering young people in Osijek-Baranja County to recognise and address gender inequality and violence. Through education, dialogue, and youth-led activities, it fosters critical thinking, active citizenship, and social responsibility.
Building on previous initiatives of the Centre for Peace, Non-violence and Human Rights Osijek, the project introduces a structured, participatory, and practice-oriented approach that enables young people not only to understand these issues, but to actively contribute to change in their communities.
This project is funded by the European Union under the DEAR Programme and is implemented through the GEAR UP! project with the support of CROSOL – The Croatian Platform for International Citizen Solidarity.
